Good Therapy Shouldn't Be Out of Reach
We believe that cost should never be the reason someone goes without mental health support. The Théla Affordable Therapy Program offers reduced-fee individual therapy sessions for adults who are ready to do the work — but need a more accessible price point to make it possible.
Sessions are provided by carefully selected graduate student therapists completing their clinical practicums at Théla. Our student therapists are enrolled in Master of Counselling Psychology (MACP) or Master of Social Work (MSW) programs — the final hands-on stage of their clinical training. Every session is supervised by a registered clinician. You receive thoughtful, structured care at a rate that reflects your circumstances, not a lower standard of quality.
All sessions are delivered virtually. Availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who Are Student Therapists?
Student therapists are graduate students in Master of Counselling Psychology (MACP) or Master of Social Work (MSW) programs who are completing the final hands-on stage of their training — called a clinical practicum. This is where they put everything they've learned into supervised practice with real clients.
At Théla, our student therapists are:
- Enrolled in accredited MACP or MSW graduate programs
- Trained in evidence-based therapeutic approaches
- Completing ongoing weekly clinical supervision with Bonny
- Committed to ethical, professional, and compassionate care
- Carefully selected based on clinical fit and training quality
The key difference between a student therapist and a registered therapist is experience — not care or commitment. Student therapists bring fresh training, genuine investment, and a structured supervised environment. They are simply still completing their clinical hours.
What This Program Offers
- Individual therapy for adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges
- A consistent therapeutic relationship over time — not drop-in sessions
- A compassionate, non-judgmental space to be honest about what's hard
- Evidence-informed approaches tailored to your goals
- Virtual sessions accessible from anywhere in Ontario
- Careful matching based on your needs and the therapist's training focus
Is This Program Right for You?
This program is a good fit if you:
- Are dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, or life transitions
- Are ready for consistent weekly therapy over several months
- Need a more affordable option than standard private practice rates
- Are comfortable working with a supervised student therapist
- Do not require crisis support or highly specialized trauma treatment
This program is not the right fit for:
- Active suicidal intent or recent self-harm requiring crisis-level care
- Severe psychiatric conditions needing specialized treatment
- Complex trauma requiring advanced clinical interventions
- Clients who need immediate or crisis-level support
If you're not sure which applies to you — book a free consultation. We'll be honest about what fits best and refer you appropriately if this program isn't the right match.
How It Works
Step 1 — Reach Out Contact us to check current availability. Because spots are limited, we recommend reaching out as soon as you're ready.
Step 2 — Brief Consultation We'll have a short conversation to understand what you're looking for and whether this program is the right fit. If it is, we'll match you with a student therapist based on your needs, schedule, and their training focus.
Step 3 — Start Sessions Weekly virtual sessions, each 50 minutes. Your therapist will work with you to set goals and build a consistent therapeutic process from the start.
Step 4 — Ongoing Supervision Your therapist brings your case to weekly clinical supervision with Bonny. This means two clinicians are thinking about your care — the one you meet with, and the one guiding their work behind the scenes.
When You May Need More
We will always be honest with you. If it becomes clear during therapy that your needs go beyond what this program can safely provide, we will tell you — and we will help you find the right next step. That might mean transitioning to a registered therapist at Théla, or a referral to a more specialized provider. Your wellbeing comes before keeping you in a program that isn't the right fit.
Fees
Reduced-fee individual sessions — $70 per session (50 min)
Sessions in this program are generally not covered by extended health insurance, as student therapists are not yet registered. We recommend confirming your plan's specific requirements before booking. Payment accepted by e-transfer, credit card, or debit.
Ready to Get Started?
Spots are limited and fill on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're ready to take that first step, reach out today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A student therapist is a graduate student in an MACP or MSW program completing their supervised clinical training. They bring strong foundational training and genuine commitment — but less clinical experience than a registered therapist. The key safeguard is supervision: every case is reviewed regularly by Bonny, who is a registered clinician. If your needs go beyond what a student therapist can safely handle, we will tell you.
Yes — within their training scope. They are enrolled in accredited MACP or MSW programs, trained in evidence-based approaches, and operating under close clinical oversight. They are not qualified for complex trauma, crisis intervention, or highly specialized presentations — but for many adults navigating everyday mental health challenges, they are an excellent fit.
Yes. Student therapists follow the same confidentiality standards as registered therapists under PHIPA (Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act). Your case will be discussed in supervision for clinical oversight purposes, but your identity and personal information are protected within professional standards. Confidentiality limits are the same as with any therapist: risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child abuse, or legal requirement.
You will receive advance notice — typically four to six weeks before the end of placement. We will review your progress together and, where possible, match you with another student therapist or support you in transitioning to a registered therapist or another service. Practicum endings are planned, not abrupt.
Yes. If your needs change or grow beyond what this program offers, we can discuss transitioning to Bonny or Renata. Standard session rates would apply at that point.
The program is designed for short- to medium-term support — typically 12 to 24 sessions over three to six months, focused on specific goals. Placement timelines may also affect session continuity.
Yes. All sessions are delivered virtually via secure video. You can access support from anywhere in Ontario — no travel required.
No. This program provides individual therapy for adults only. Couples and family therapy are available through our registered therapists.
Student therapists are not yet registered, so this program is generally not covered by extended health insurance. We recommend checking your plan's specific requirements. We provide receipts for all sessions.
Any device with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet — phone, tablet, or computer. We use a PHIPA-compliant encrypted video platform. No special software needed. We'll send you a secure link before your session.
Areas We Serve
Virtual affordable therapy available across Ontario — including Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Mississauga, Brampton, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, and Oshawa. All sessions are virtual.
